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La Toussuire (via Villarembert) – HC / 18km / 6%

Location

Alps

Category

HC

Lenght

18km

Average Gradient

6%

Height at start

595m

Height at finish

1705m

Total Elevation Gained

1110m

(values should be seen as approximate)

The climb to La Toussuire via Villarembert is the ascent used in Tour de France and the most popular route to the top. From Saint Jean de Maurienne follow the D926 south and then take the D78 direction Fontcouverte and Villarembert.

La Toussuire

Compared to some of the other mythical climbs in the Alps, La Toussuire may not appear to be very difficult, with average gradient of ‘only’ around 6%. What makes it hard, when used in TdF / Etape de Tour , is the fact that it is placed at the end of the stage and the riders face it with tired legs.

As long as you pace yourself, eat, drink and conserve your energy, you should be able to avoid doing a ‘Floyd Landis’ and bonk while climbing La Toussuire.

La Toussuire Climb Profile

It is definitely a climb of two halves. The first couple of kilometers are tough, but the gradient eases off after that before reaching a bit of a rest around Villarembert. Then the second, and probably more difficult part of the climb, starts with the gradient increasing while you have to tackle steep corners & hairpins turns.

Tour de France 2012 – Chris Froome attacks Bradley Wiggins on the slopes of La ToussuireSpectacular scenery along the way

La Toussuire, Tour de France 2012, Chris Froome vs. Bradley Wiggins

Cycling fans are still arguing whether Froome really attacked Wiggo or not, and if so, did he had the right to do it? Whatever the truth, one thing is for sure, that episode will always be remembered and has in a way shaped the future careers of both riders. Team Sky did win TdF with Froom in 2013, but something changed in the team during the ascent to La Toussuire.